Marianne Michelle

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” — Leo Tolstoy Change happens whether we like it or not and regardless of whether we do anything about it. Tomorrow will be different than today. We can resist, but that is a bit like standing in a river and trying to hold back the water – useless. We have a choice to watch change passively happening around us, or to participate and lead it.  Intellectually we all accept the value of change, but we are not so ebullient when it comes down to us being the one who must change. In order to make change at any level of “stuckness,” you have to identify a small action you can take and from there gain momentum. Anyone, anywhere, can start an initiative of change by applying the words of Mahatma Gandhi: Be the change you want to see in the world. If you want to see an end to corruption, start by being scrupulously honest yourself. If you want to see peace in the world, start within your own family. If...

     It is a great advantage to the province of Ilocos Sur to be blessed with a rich heritage. Centuries of cultural exchange endowed us with customs and traditions that give distinction to the Ilocano culture. However, with the effects of modernization, these customs and traditions have slowly been disappearing. The passion to practice has greatly dampened. So to show and share Ilocos Sur's treasures to the whole world, the locals conceived a festival that highlights their cultural traditions which they called the "Kannawidan Festival".       Kannawidan Festival aims to underscore the importance of preserving the people's rich culture and traditions, as well as to promote the province's products which are mostly agricultural.  Besides the traditional beauty contests, a wide array of activities are lined up all throughout the festival, showcasing the talents and skills of the participants and the rich traditions and practices of the p...

    The value of time is known to those who value the moments each year. Little by little, time slows down as we think about the year that had gone past. Every year that had gone by has become history and a future is yet to come. 2018 already came to an end and although I welcomed this year with a heavy heart within me, I believe that I still have the rest of the year to have the happiness and peace of mind I know I deserve. As they say, New Year beckons us to change. New Year means new hope in life. New Year brings some new strive, but amidst the new things, there is a strange happiness within -- of all the things so special, of all the things as seen. Life changes in a fraction and things turn old. This year, I'm letting go of the things that are old. The old is going so I must let go. I’ll try to be at my toes even when I need to strive. I’ll try to be happy all the while and listen to what my heart speaks as well as what my mind dictates. I’ll walk past my tears ...